Rajnath Singh urged students to take pride in India's extensive cultural heritage

India is setting global benchmarks for digital infrastructure in fields like digital payments and telecom technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.

Speaking at the Swami Rama Himalayan University's 5th convocation in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Saturday, Singh also emphasized how much exposure Generation Z gets to the digital and information technologies that are influencing every area of our lives today.

"Today internet and information technology has unlocked potential in fields ranging from health to education, and even India’s 101st unicorn is an edutech startup," he added.

The Defence Minister praised the youthful entrepreneurial energy of India and noted that the country now has over 80,000 start-ups, up from 400 to 500 in 2014.

Singh credited the youth of India and those who believe in the country's story for Aatmanirbhar Bharat's success.

Speaking of India's defence capabilities, he stated that with the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India has surpassed China to become the sixth country in the world to build aircraft carriers. He also stated that India is building strong warships, which are indicative of a strong and independent country.

In his speech stressed the value of teamwork, stating that while individual accomplishment is vital, we only receive the credit we are due when the entire team wins.

Defence Minister Singh emphasized the value of teamwork, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" is based on it.

He reminded the audience about their duty to promote social welfare and urged the students to try to improve the world through their efforts in all areas of life.

Speaking about India's position as a global leader, he said that the world recognizes our spiritual and economic power as being founded in timeless knowledge and eternal truth.

"India’s glorious past and traditions are a source of inspiration for us all," he said.

At the conclusion of his speech, Singh urged the students to take pride in India's extensive cultural heritage and to step up and help restore India's status as a Vishwa Guru.

Apart from the Defence Minister, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries attended the convocation ceremony, along with local public representatives, parents and guardians of students, faculty members, and staff members of the university.